Sexual Assault as it Relates to Cornell Students

The Sexual Experience Survey Committee conducted a survey to learn about sexual assault as it relates to Cornell students. In presenting our findings at the Student Symposium, we hope to accomplish two goals:

First, we hope to educate members of the Cornell community, and bring the issue of sexual assault into the open. Once students, staff, and faculty can better understand the extent to which students at Cornell have had these experiences, a healthy dialogue can be created. With the issue out in the open, survivors will hopefully feel more comfortable talking about their experiences. Research has indicated that reduction of self-blame, fears, anxiety, and shame are critical to a survivor’s healing process. One means toward this reduction is to open factual and nonjudgmental dialogue about their sexual assault experiences. Other people, more educated about sexual assault, will be better able to listen and help.

Second, the College may also be able to use this information to decide how high a priority sexual assault issues should be. The results may show that Cornell needs more resources pertaining to issues concerning sexual assault. Examples of these resources include counseling services, support groups, a student-run hotline, speakers, and educational programs such as Sexual Assault Response Training for Resident Assistants, Peer Advocates, and members of PAIRS, as well as other Cornell students, faculty, and staff.